saddle a bit wide! Sheepskin numnah or shims.

[canteron]

There is a rarely available 2nd hand saddle for sale which I know is has a tree shape that is perfect for my horse, but it is an XXW - my horse only really needs a W. I am pretty sure that the horse is going to bulk out a couple of sizes over then next couple of years, so long term may be perfect, but if not and the horse needs a different tree, then as I had bought 2nd hand, I could hopefully sell it at not too much of a loss.

So the question is, if the tree shape itself is pretty perfect, can I use a sheepskin numnah or shims to make the saddle fit in the short to medium term, it is a roly poly cob.

 

[scruffyponies]

Really? If this was a stop-gap, I'd understand, but why is is this even a question?
You have the opportunity to buy any saddle you like; Buy one that fits.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

If you think the saddle will fit in a couple of years, buy it now and save it for a couple of years. Your norse needs a saddle that fits now.

 

[Pinkvboots]

I use a nuumed shim sheepskin numnah on my too wide saddle, it is a system used by the saddle fitter who made my saddle they generally fit a saddle that is too wide with the concept that the horse builds muscle and top line to eventually do without it, it would be worth getting a saddle fitter to come and check it though if it's something your not familiar with doing, when mine was fitted the fitter showed me how to make sure it fitted properly.

 

[soloequestrian]

Have a look at Balance International. Their whole philosophy is built around using saddles that are, in the traditional sense, 'too wide' for horses. I've used their system for many years now and the horses love it. Lavinia Mitchell saddles use the same base (she started with Balance).

 

[Goldenstar]

Too sizes too big is too much to fudge sorry but would be a mistake to buy it unless the tree can be adjusted or changed at a reasonable cost

 

[Wheels]

Too sizes too big is too much to fudge sorry but would be a mistake to buy it unless the tree can be adjusted or changed at a reasonable cost

This

If it was half a size too wide then I'd go for it, any more than that it's too much. Is it one with a changeable gullet?

I know a few people above have talked about balance saddles but balance and lavinia Mitchell design those saddles specifically for the use with pads, the saddle angles are wide but there is a wide channel as well to make sure the pads can be used without pressing on the spine. That method will not work with any old second hand saddle someone finds on the internet and to try and do that without professional help could cause serious problems for the poor horse.